Heritage, Heart, and Art: The Story of Yemi Yohannes

By: Camila Muiambo

Image provided by Yemi: Young and ambitious, Yohannes at her first spoken word performance

Not knowing what kind of event I was attending, I was more than happy when we stepped in from the cold, unwelcoming night of a London winter and into a warm room, enveloped by the vibrant energy of the creatives, each showcasing their unique talents. One performer, in particular, captivated the audience, holding their attention with a powerful spoken word piece.

At just 22 years old, Yemi Yohannes is an unapologetic spoken word poet making waves in a society that often undermines the struggles of creatives. As the eldest child of an immigrant single mother, she feels the weight of high expectations. Born to an Ethiopian mother and an Eritrean father, Yemi faced the challenge of navigating cultural assimilation in Britain.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared feelings of shame when her mother didn’t conform to British norms. Recalling chaotic mornings spent trying to straighten her natural afro and the painful jokes about being a “coconut,” Yemi described how the pressure to fit in led her to deny her heritage.

Despite these challenges, Yemi’s mother always emphasised their privilege. Her mother’s sacrifices—immigrating to the UK at 19, raising three daughters alone, and returning to university at 44—shaped Yemi’s understanding of opportunity.

Leaving school marked a turning point for Yemi, especially during her recent visit to Ethiopia, where she experienced a profound culture shock. “It kind of hurt my heart,” she said, realising the deep roots of her identity. While she once tried to deny her Ethiopian heritage, she now embraces it, recognising its importance in shaping who she is.

During our interview, a highlight was when Yemi recited a powerful poem from her new album, What It Takes To Be Free. “To be Black and to be a woman—it’s my fate,” she stated, expressing empowerment in accepting her identity. The poem critiques a society that benefits only those with traditional jobs, which she finds daunting. “I would much rather be broke and creative than miserable and rich,” she asserted.

Yemi is aware of the challenges within spoken word, recognising that many find poetry alienating. “People often see poetry as ‘mumbo jumbo’ because of how it was introduced to them,” she shared. To counter this, she aims to foster a community built on vulnerability and connection, emphasising the transformative power of art.

Image provided by Yemi: Young Yemi, the driving force

With a degree in drama and Spanish, Yemi seeks to intertwine poetry, live performance, and music, creating a culture centred on authentic human vulnerability. Attending her first show, organised through her community, The Good News Channel, I felt the same relief she described: witnessing numerous creatives open up through their art was a comforting reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.

Yemi’s community name connects to her Ethiopian roots; her first name, Yemsrache, translates to “good news,” a poignant reminder of her identity. Today, Yemi proudly embodies that essence.